"To wait on Mr. Van Teyl and Mr. Fischer, eh? What the hell do they want you for?" Nikasti shook his head slowly. He was very small, and his dark eyes seemed filled with melancholy. "It is not for a very long time," he ventured. "Long enough to do me out of my five dollars' tip every week," the man grumbled. "I'm a married man, too, and a good American. Blast you fellows, coming and taking our jobs away! Can't think what they let you into the country for." "I am sorry," Nikasti murmured. "Your sorrow don't bring me in my five dollars," the valet retorted bitterly. "There's only two suites on this floor to work for, anyway, and this is the only one worth a cent." "I am taking the situation," the other explained, "for the sake of experience. I do not wish to rob you of your earnings. I will pay you the five dollars a week while I stay here. You shall help me with the work." "That's a deal, my little yellow-skinned kid," the valet agreed in a tone of relief. "I'll show you where the things are kept." His new coadjutor bowed. "The telephone is ringing in the master's room," he observed. "You shall remain here, and I will answer it." "That goes, Jappy," the man acquiesced. "If it's a young lady take her name, but don't say that Mr. Van Teyl's about. Forward young baggages some of them are." Nikasti glided from the room, closed the door, and approached the telephone receiver. "Yes," he acknowledged, "these are the rooms of Mr. Van Teyl... No, madam, Mr. Van Teyl is not in at present." There was a moment's pause. Nikasti's face was impenetrable as he listened, but his eyes glowed. "Yes, I understand, madam," he said softly. "You are Miss Van Teyl, and you wish to speak to your brother. The moment Mr. Van Teyl returns I will ring you up or fetch you." He replaced the receiver upon its hook, and returned to the bedroom. For some little time he was initiated into the mysteries of his new master's studs, boots and shoes, and general taste in wearing apparel. Then the latter entered the sitting-room, and Nikasti obeyed his summons. "Anyone called me up?" he inquired. "No one, sir." Van Teyl glanced at the clock in an undecided manner. "I'll change right away," he decided. "Just set things to rights in here, fill my cigarette case, and hang round by the telephone."